As their name implies, instruments in the brass family are usually made of brass. They can also be made of other metals, wood, tusk, horn or shell. Sound is produced by vibrating air. Their special feature is that the air is set in motion by the vibration of the player's lips.

Trombone	The trombone has a slide. By sliding this in and out, the player changes the length of the tube. There are seven positions for the slide. Each position gives its own set of notes. The player sounds these different notes by making the lips tighter or slacker against the mouth piece.   Listen
French Horn	The French horn has three valves. The player works these with the left hand, and holds the horn by resting the right hand in the bell. The sound of the horn is usually smooth and round. But when blown hard, it can become loud and ‘brassy’.   Listen.
Trumpet	The trumpet is a small brass instrument. It can play high notes and produce bright sounds. It also has three valves.   Listen.
Cornet	The cornet is a miniature trumpet. It actually works the same way(including the fingering), only that it produces a brighter sound.   Listen
Tuba	The tuba is one of the largest instruments in the band. It has the longest length of tuba and so it plays the lowest range of notes. The sound it makes is very rich and ‘fat’.   Listen